County History

Parker County was formed in 1855 and named for a settler leader

Parker County was carved out of Bosque and Navarro counties after settlers petitioned the state legislature in 1855.

In 1855, 224 settlers petitioned the Texas Legislature to create a new county in north-central Texas. The Legislature agreed and formed Parker County from parts of Bosque and Navarro counties. The county was named for Isaac Parker, a state representative who led the effort.

Weatherford was chosen as the county seat. By 1858 it had a two-story brick courthouse surrounded by a handful of cabins and tents. The county covers 902 square miles and sits about 30 miles west of Fort Worth. Parker County is bounded by Jack, Wise, Tarrant, Hood, Johnson, and Palo Pinto counties.

Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Parker County

More Parker County notes

Property Tax

Two offices handle property taxes in Parker County

Parker County splits property tax duties between two offices — one sets values, the other handles registration and some collections.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

How the homestead exemption works in Parker County

Homeowners who live in their home on January 1 can apply to lower their taxable value and cap yearly appraisal increases.

Read note ->

Ag Valuation

Agricultural valuation can cut land taxes dramatically

Land used for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may qualify for much lower tax values in Parker County.

Read note ->

Vehicle Registration

Parker County requires an emissions test before registration

Because Parker County is part of the DFW air quality zone, most vehicles need an annual emissions test to renew registration.

Read note ->